Spark! From Inspiration to Creation
In 2022, The Rockwell explores how artists find inspiration and the moments that ignite a creative spark. Considering how individual perspectives, unexpected sources, and lived experiences inform the artistic process, we will present journeys that move from inspiration to creation.
"Working with art, we are constantly amazed and inspired by the process of creating. The concept of “Spark!” came from a discussion about creating and evolving a body of work, as opposed to a singular piece of art.
Often, artists will start with a small ember of interest in a particular subject and fan the flames into a full series of artworks to which they’ve dedicated years of their lives. Some artists return to subjects throughout their careers, while others work through one theme at a time and set it aside. Sometimes a spark isn’t a long-examined passion, but an external force that inspires disparate artists to react to circumstances, such as government funding for artists or the invention of artificial lighting."
Hear more from Kate Swanson, Interpretation and Public Engagement Educator, as she discusses the exciting year ahead on The Rockwell Blog.
2022 Programs and Events
Exhibitions
Agnes & The Arts: The Architectural Evolution of Old City Hall
January 15 - March 20, 2022
WPA Women Printmakers
January 22 - December 31, 2022
Astonishing Brilliance: Art, Light and the Transformation of American Culture
February 19 - May 15, 2022
Antigravity: Rachel Hellmann
March 18, 2022 - February 12, 2023
Please Touch! The Art of Michael Naranjo
May 14 - October 30, 2022
Objects in Motion: Wendy Red Star's Accession Series
May 28 - September 5, 2022
Children of the Large-Beaked Bird: Wendy Red Star
June 17 - October 17, 2022
Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray
September 24, 2022 - January 22, 2023
Spark! Lecture Series
Thursday, January 27
Museum Collections: Revealing American Stories
Jami Powell, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Hood Museum
Thursday, February 24
Agnes in Corning: A Conversation with Brian Frey and Rob Cassetti
Brian Frey, Director of Operations and Special Projects for WSKG Public Media in New York’s Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Region; Rob Cassetti, retired Senior Director of Creative Strategy and Visitor Engagement at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Wednesday, March 23
Laurie Anderson: The Weather at the Hirshhorn
Marina Isgro, PhD, Associate Curator of Media and Performance Art at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Thursday, April 21
Art Meets Technology at the World's Fair
Dr. Arthur Molella, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
Tuesday, May 3
Keynote: An Evening with Margot Lee Shetterly
Hidden Figures — The Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race
2022 Concert On Your Couch Series
Friday, February 25
The Wildmans
The Wildmans come from the hills of Floyd, Virginia, in the heart of the Appalachian mountain music tradition. From campsite jamming at festivals and fiddler’s conventions and a college-level music education comes the foundation for musical exploration that sets this group apart, taking the audience on a musical journey that reflects the growth and passion of these talented musicians.
Friday, April 15
Lily Henley and Duncan Wickel
Stay tuned for more details.